Wedgwood and the First World War

Letter from Corporal Siddal on the death on Major Cecil Wedgwood

Theme

While at war, many soldiers sent letters home to their families. However, these were often censored to keep out the bad parts so that support for the war would remain. Cecil Wedgwood, on the other hand, did not have his letters censored as he was a major. As a result, he was able to send home letters to his family which gave actual accounts of life in the trenches. Although due to him being a higher rank, he did get a bedroom instead of having to sleep on the floor with the lower ranks!

After Cecil's death at the Battle of the Somme, a number of soldiers wrote letters to Lucie, his wife. They all offered their deepest condolences and spoke very highly of Cecil, both as a major and as a man. The Wedgwood family was deeply affected by the war, losing not only Cecil, but also Felix and Alan Wedgwood, along with Josiah IV, who was wounded and awarded the DSO (Distinguished Service Order). While at war, Cecil wrote home almost daily to his family explaining his situation and what was happening. Sadly, one of the last things he ever wrote to his wife was "When I get home I will do nothing and grow roses". He would be killed four days later in the Somme.